Apart from the extensive catalog of games, the new Microsoft consoles, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, have a few applications that are worth having installed. Streaming, movies, series, music, video editing… all this and much more is what you can do with your new Xbox console.
Since Microsoft’s entry into the video game industry, Xbox consoles have been characterized by their multimedia factorand the firm commitment to programs, applications and services that extend the legacy of Windows. This also happens with Xbox Series X|S.
Fortunately, it is not as beast as Don Mattrick pointed out in the disappointing presentation of Xbox One (back in 2013). The new Xbox consoles offer an interesting balance of content.
So, beyond the extensive catalog of digital games (both in the Store and in Game Pass or EA Play), Xbox has quite a few apps which you should have installed.
From content platforms such as Disney Plus or Netflix, through music applications (Spotify), programs synchronized with Xbox Series X|Svideo/streaming editors.
In this report we highlight The best apps on the Microsoft Store, the digital storefront for Xbox Series X|S. Many of them are also compatible with the previous console, Xbox One, so keep that in mind.
If you have an Xbox Series X|S at home, pay attention to These 10 apps that everyone should have installed on the new Microsoft consoles. Specifically, we are going to talk about the following…
Xbox Game Pass
The most important application in the entire Xbox Series X | S catalog. We could say that Xbox Game Pass is a revolution for gaming, and we would not be wrong. Even Sony itself has recognized that Game Pass is superior to its PS Plus service, and that it incorporates new tiers.
Xbox Game Pass es the dream come true for the gamer. Subscribe to the basic or Ultimate package (includes Xbox Live Gold), and enjoy hundreds of first party (exclusive), cross-platform, indie and unknown gems games. Direct releases like Starfield put the icing on the cake.
What is Xbox Game Pass: how it works, compatible devices, best games and differences with PS Plus
Insider Hub
Do you like to test out new features on your Xbox before they’re released? Or are you more of participating in game betas? In both cases, Insider Hub will become your favorite Xbox app. Its download is free: all you have to do is sign in with your Microsoft account.
Thanks to Insider Hub, you will be able to participate in betas, game previews (Xbox early access), and also test new features coming soon to Microsoft consoles. There are also challenges, a wide range of settings and other new promotions for you.
Twitch
The Amazon platform could not be missing here. YouTube is an excellent option, but you will only be able to see the latest live shows from Ibai, IlloJuan or ElXokas through Twitch. The Twitch app allows you to watch any broadcast while you play, as well as interact with the chat.
And the icing on the cake: you can broadcast your own games live, to become the new trending streamer. There are tons of settings you can tweak to get the perfect frame, the performance you’re looking for, or share it directly with your friends.
What is Twitch and how it works: create an account, earn money with Twitch, hosting, raid and differences with YouTube
Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)
It’s not as popular as Xbox Game Pass, but there’s no doubt that xCloud is the future of gaming. This Microsoft service (which is still in beta) lets you play many Game Pass games on any PC, Mac, tablet or mobileprior subscription payment.
This means that you can play Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5 or Sea of Thieves on a smartphone, to name just one of many examples. It’s not foolproof, but the connection quality is very good, and it’s a great option if you don’t want to buy an Xbox, or your PC isn’t powerful enough.
Xbox Cloud Gaming also comes to Meta Quest 2 to play in virtual reality
EA Play Hub
The Electronic Arts gaming service is an essential app on Xbox Series X | S. yes it’s true EA Play base catalog is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (be careful, only in Ultimate), but if you decide to subscribe to the Pro mode you will enjoy many advantages.
For example, you will be able to play Star Wars Jedi: Survivor or Dead Space Remake, recent releases from EA, for only 14.99 euros per month. From the EA Play Hub app you can manage your library of games, those available through Game Pass, as well as other promotions and benefits.
Discord
if we talk about play online, Discord could not be missing here. It is one of the tools most used by PC users, which for years has already made a resounding leap to Xbox. You will no longer need to use an external device to communicate with your friends and other players.
With Discord download, you will be able to access the platform hub on your Xbox Series X | S. Chat with your friends, join private matches, and even search for servers to enjoy your favorite titles. We recommend linking your Discord account with Xbox, yes.
Discord for beginners: what it is, how it works, servers and everything you need to know
SoundCloud
We could talk about Spotify, the largest music platform that you can use on PC, consoles, tablets, and mobile phones. However, the SoundCloud option is highly recommended as well, especially if you have an Xbox Series X|S. It also has a free model with some restrictions.
Over 150 million tracks await you on SoundCloud, as well as podcasts, radio shows and other content. Enjoy the best songs while you play with your Xbox, and take all your music anywhere, regardless of the device.
AirServer Xbox Edition
One of the most unknown apps in the Xbox Series X | S catalog, but also very useful for a series of functions. Basically, allows you to transmit any audiovisual content from a mobile, tablet or PC to the television/monitor where we have the Xbox plugged in.
In other words, AirServer Xbox Edition turn your console into a Chromecast, which plays any content from a PC, mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth. It is also compatible with Apple devices (iPhone, iPad and Mac).
Plataformas (Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO)
These apps could not be missing. We do not highlight any, since they all work in a very similar way on Xbox Series X | S. Netflix is perhaps the best known, which includes TV series such as Wednesday or Money Heist, with special mention of documentaries such as Dahmer.
Amazon Prime, Disney Plus or HBO Max are not far behind either. It depends on you if you like Star Wars, Game of Thrones (or The House of Dragon) or The Lord of the Rings more. The downloads are free, but you will have to subscribe beforehandeither monthly or annually.
Netflix Spain: plans, price, share account, catalog and more
TrueAchievements
We end up with one of the best apps in the Microsoft Store, which not everyone knows about. the web portal TrueAchievements it is wildly popular as it helps Xbox/Windows users to unlock all their game achievements. Well, it has its own app on Xbox Series.
In this way, in the TrueAchievements app you can add the games you have, and follow different guides to get 100% of each one. Best of all, the navigation is very intuitive, so you’ll get all the achievements in less than you think.
All these applications and programs They can be downloaded 100% free in the Microsoft Store, the Xbox digital store. In the case of streaming services and platforms, you will have to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee.
If you’re wondering which games you should have on your Xbox Series, then take a look at the 10 games that best squeeze the hardware of Microsoft consoles, as well as their best titles to date.
Do you have one of the new Microsoft consoles at home? In that case, keep an eye on these 10 apps you should install on your Xbox Series X | S to squeeze the capabilities of your console. Not everything was going to be playing, and less if we are talking about a company with the path of Microsoft.
